I realize that it’s time to stop hibernating and get on with my life, in
spite of what Punxsutawney Phil had to say this year.
It’s been two months since the New Year! For those of us living in the
northeast, the holiday season has faded into a cold and seemingly endless
winter, without the benefit of being able to look forward to additional holiday
festivities. As a result, I've been in kind of a funk lately as I muddle
through this extended winter season.
In addition to battling cabin fever, mountains of winter snow have made me
feel lethargic and unmotivated during the past several weeks. Hibernacting,
though at times a great comfort, is not the best strategy for cultivating inner
poise or refinement. I have a tendency to look like (and sometimes become) a
bit of a bum when I'm stuck at home for too long, mainly because if I'm home
for a while I’m not expecting to see anyone, or I’m doing some messy housework
and don't want to sweat or spill on my nice clothes. And although a snow day
can be a wonderful break in routine, we've had enough of them this year that
they're not quite so exciting or comfortable anymore. Rather, the winter
weather has been enabling my lazier habits and everything feels cramped,
stuffy, and tiresome.
As much as I’d love a vacation, that’s simply not an option right now
because of work and other obligations. But, even more pressing, I realize that my
favorite destinations—in Europe—are known for having even worse winters! So, I
realize that it’s time for me to take a cue from those stiff-upper-lipped Europeans,
and simply get on with my life, regardless of the weather.
It's up to me to rearrange my winter attitude and environment to become a
productive and supporting scene. If I can’t change the weather, I can at least
make some improvements to my home space that will hopefully reflect a more
positive outlook. Below is my list of my ideas for re-energizing this winter.
